Thomas "Tom" Aldridge Pardue Jr.

Thomas "Tom" Aldridge Pardue Jr., aged 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2026, surrounded by family, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Sam Swope Care Center of the Masonic Homes. Born on July 24, 1930, in Scottsville, Kentucky, he lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, service, devotion to family, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Tom was the beloved son of the late Thomas Aldridge Pardue Sr. and Lula Mae (Wagoner) Pardue. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Lillian Anne Pardue and Mary Lee Pardue, his twin sister, and by his first wife, Barbara (Hayes) Pardue.

He is survived by his cherished and devoted wife of 44 years, Jeannette E. Pardue, his daughter Carla Pardue: his stepson, Steve Taylor (Julie) and their children, Joshua Taylor (Cindy), Emily Taylor, and Zach Taylor; his stepdaughter Stephanie Phillips (Jim) and their daughter Kim Christenson (Justin) and several great grandchildren.

Tom graduated from Frankfort High School in 1948, where he was involved in R.O.T.C. He went on to attend the University of Kentucky, earning a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1952. While there, he was a member of the Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Honorary Leadership Society, and he served as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He later earned his Master of Business Administration in 1955, building a strong foundation for a career defined by integrity and dedication.

He served his country honorably as a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. During his military service, he oversaw a base where damaged and malfunctioning aircraft were repaired, demonstrating leadership, responsibility, and steady judgment. Afterward, he continued his service in the National Guard before receiving an honorable discharge.

Following his military years, Tom moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he married Barbara Hayes in May of 1962. They welcomed their daughter, Mary Carla Pardue, in November of 1963. Barbara passed away in 1978 after a courageous battle with cancer. In May of 1982, Tom married Jeannette E. Taylor, who survives him. Tom and Jeannette shared many wonderful years together sharing adventures, laughter, travel around the world, and visiting every state. They shared a loving partnership filled with faith, friendship and devotion to each other.

Tom spent 30 years with Citizens Fidelity Bank, where he was admired by clients, colleagues, and peers alike. He was known for his personalized service, his dedication to those he served, and the lasting relationships he formed throughout his career. He also enjoyed being part of the bank’s softball and bowling teams and treasured the lifelong friendships he made through monthly poker games. He worked for a time in North Carolina before retiring and returning to Louisville.

A lifelong singer, Tom found joy in music from an early age and continued singing throughout his life, including in barbershop quartets and choirs. He was active in the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America and shared his gift generously with others. His faith was central to his life. In the 1970s and 1980s, he was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, an elder, and a choir member. After returning from North Carolina, Tom and Jeannette joined Second Presbyterian Church, where they remained active members. He served on session, sang in the choir for many years, and was one of the founding members of the Friday Morning Men’s Bible Study, which continues to this day.

Tom’s life was also distinguished by extraordinary service to his community. He volunteered faithfully with many organizations and charities, always seeking ways to help others. He served on the Board of Directors of the Market Street Neighborhood House Association for 18 years and received the Award for Outstanding Community Service in 1974. From 1969 to 1988, he served on the Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation and was honored with the Award for Outstanding Advocate of Service with Compassion to Those in Need. In 1998, he was named Jefferson County Senior Citizen of the Year in recognition of his outstanding volunteer service. In 2010, he received the “Quiet” Service Award for his years of "behind-the-scenes" support of The Cabbage Patch’s “Street Ball Showdown.” In his later years, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity became a highlight of his life, and he especially treasured the fellowship and friendships he found there. He traveled to assist after Hurricane Katrina and was honored with the Hammer Award for outstanding service, as well as, a Thank You award for his work as Presbyterian House Supervisor.

Tom will be remembered as a kind, faith-filled, and selfless man whose life reflected compassion, humility, and steadfast devotion to others. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the church communities he strengthened, and the many lives he touched through his service.

Tom's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Walter House in the Sam Swope Care Center of the Masonic Homes for their dedication, compassion, kindness, and professional care, provided to both Tom and their family.

A visitation will be held at on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Old Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40207.

A funeral service will follow the visitation, at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am.

Immediately after the funeral service, all are welcome to join the family, for committal with military honors, in Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40204.